St. Vincent de Paul Wards St. Francis 1 and 2 were officially inaugurated on Monday following the completion of a €1.6 million renovation project.

The inauguration was attended by Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela, Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, Permanent Secretary Renzo Degabriele, and St. Vincent de Paul CEO Jorgen Souness.

The €1.6 million project included upgrades to rooms with more natural light, larger spaces, private and accessible bathrooms, and new water and electricity systems. Each room was also fitted with a new oxygen system. Additional improvements included air conditioning and ventilation systems, nurse call and emergency systems, vinyl flooring, custom furniture, and curtains produced by St. Vincent’s own staff.

Minister Abela highlighted the benefits of the renovation, saying it strengthens both the quality of care and the independence of elderly residents. “Thanks to this investment, we have not only strengthened the quality of life and care for the elderly, but we are also seeing to strengthen and invest in resources that help with the independence of the elderly residents,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary Agius Galea added that the investment reflects a broader transformation of St. Vincent de Paul in recent years. “Today we can confidently say that we have a residential care structure that is among the best in our country, with a modern, safe environment and adapted to today’s needs,” he said.

The renovation forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise the St. Vincent de Paul complex, ensuring facilities meet current standards while maintaining dignity and independence for residents.